Why You Should Get Your Fillings Before the Year Ends

No one looks forward to getting a dental filling, but sometimes they are necessary in order to prevent additional oral health issues going forward, including infections and tooth loss. If you have been told that you need a filling or two, you should consider doing this before the year comes to an end. This way, you can prevent dental issues and maximize your benefits! Read on to learn about the consequences of waiting too long.

What Happens When You Put Off Getting Fillings?

When decay has inflicted damaged onto a tooth, this is not reversible, as tooth enamel does not grow back. When left untreated, you could be looking at numerous different issues. It will continue to destroy healthy parts of the tooth until you reach the point where a filling will not be enough. You will likely end up needing one of the following invasive and costly treatments:

• Root Canal Therapy: If decay reaches the pulp inside the tooth, the bacteria will irritate and infect it. Ultimately, you could end up with an abscess which can be very painful. To save your tooth, you will need to undergo root canal therapy. This involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it off. A lot of the time, the saved tooth will then be covered with a crown to keep it safe.
• Extraction: When a cavity is left untreated for too long, it may reach the point where a dentist will no longer be able to save it with a root canal. Instead, you will need to have your tooth extracted in order to prevent the spread of infection.

How Does Dental Insurance Play a Role?

If you have dental insurance, you are most likely going to lose out on all of your unused benefits by the end of the calendar year. Your annual deductible is the amount of money that you need to pay out of pocket each year until you’re able to take advantage of your benefits. Every 1^st of January, this amount resets and you are left responsible for paying it again. If you have already paid your deductible for the year, you can save money by getting fillings before the year comes to a close.

It not the best idea to wait when it comes to dental fillings. By heading in now, you can save yourself from more invasive procedures and even reduce the overall cost. This way, you can start the new year with a healthy smile and more money in the bank!

About the Author

Dr. Mark Gerome is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for well over two decades. He earned his dental doctorate from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is involved in a number of dental associations, including the Seattle Study Club, Frank Spear Study Club, American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, and Cincinnati Dental Society. For more information on dental fillings or to schedule an appointment at his office in Loveland, visit his website or call (513) 677-1349.